Sally L. Underwood Arnett, a beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the age of 96. A testament to a person who’s lived and spoken motto was “You have to just keep going. If you don’t, you won’t be able to go.”

Born on August 9, 1929, in Bulloch County, Georgia, Sally lived a full and vibrant life, touching the hearts of many in her community and beyond. She had a forceful spirit and a belief of how things were supposed to be done in order to achieve the best results. She worked throughout her life to make things better for herself and others. She and Lonnie raised their family in the Avondale community, she later lived in the Kensington neighborhood and then at Wesley Woods in Newnan, Georgia, where she spent her final years surrounded by her cherished family and friends.

As the child of a sharecropper, Sally attended many schools in her young life and was particularly proud to be a graduate of Statesboro High School. She worked as a Ward Clerk at Memorial Medical Center and later served as a longtime Civil Servant at Hunter Army Airfield, Fort Stewart, and then returned to Hunter for many years before her retirement. Her dedication extended beyond her career and as a cancer survivor she was extremely proud of her volunteer work as a Pink Lady at Candler Cancer Center, offering her warmth and compassion to those in need.

Sally was a lifelong member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the George Balmer Sunday School Class, The Louise Freeman Sunday School Class, a member of several Circles, as well as adding her voice to the choir. When Aldersgate closed, she continued her spiritual journey at ConneXion Church and later at the Wesley Woods chapel. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Crafty Ladies. She enjoyed gardening, reading and expressed her creativity through coloring and crocheting. Her crocheted quilts and blankets were gifts of love for new parents and have become treasured heirlooms handed down through generations.

Sally was a devoted wife to her late husband of 53 years, Lonnie Arnett, and a loving daughter to her parents, John Lewis and Eva Underwood, and, albeit for just a short time, to her birth father, Edward Underwood, all of whom have predeceased her. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, John Allen Underwood, Irving Eugene Underwood, and Terrell Underwood. She leaves behind her devoted children, Wilfred Arnett (Cathy) and Susan Arnett (Bonita Martin). Sally is also survived by her loving brother, Harold Underwood (Gail), several nieces and nephews, and her adopted family, Effie Cotton, Shemika Beasley, Becky Beckford, Shonnie Hall, and Katie Glover, as well as her cherished friends and loved ones from Wesley Woods of Newnan.

A graveside service will be held at Greenwich Cemetery on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 2:00 pm, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life.

Sally's family requests that in lieu of flowers, in honor of her lifelong love of learning, reading and gardening, remembrances be made to, Georgia Southern Botanical Gardens by visiting georgiasouthern.edu/campuses/visit/botanic-garden and clicking “Give” or the public library of your choice.

Arrangements for the celebration of Sally's life are provided by Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Hodgson Memorial Chapel.